Tunisia embraces sustainable tourism to drive economic and environmental growth
Tunisia, a historic hub for mass tourism, is now making significant strides toward sustainable tourism—an industry that balances economic, social, and environmental impacts while meeting the needs of visitors, professionals, and local communities. This shift aims to create a lasting positive impact by focusing on eco-friendly transportation, waste reduction, ecosystem preservation, and minimizing tourist pollution.
However, what has particularly captured the attention of Tunisian authorities is sustainable tourism's potential to generate employment.
Since its launch in 2019, the 'Promotion of Sustainable Tourism' project has created approximately 1,100 new jobs, including 572 for women, and engaged 310 tourism operators in networking and market access activities to promote their products.
These achievements were highlighted by Soufiane Tekaya, Tunisia's Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, during the closing ceremony of the project held on Wednesday in Tunis.
The event, titled 'Diversification of the Tourism Offer and Creation of Inclusive Jobs,' showcased the project's success in supporting nearly 3,500 individuals, 66% of whom were women, and 851 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with 44% located in rural areas.
The initiative has also backed 54 local associations and organized 248 training sessions, significantly enhancing the capabilities of its partner operators.
Minister Tekaya emphasized the tourism sector's critical role in wealth and job creation, as well as its contribution to positioning Tunisia as a promising destination for sustainable economic development. He noted that the project's success stems from strong collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as Tunisia's international partners.
The Minister also stressed the importance of further improving the quality and diversity of tourism products, developing tailored training programs, and implementing effective communication and promotion strategies.
International support and achievements
Giuseppe Perrone, the European Union's Ambassador to Tunisia, reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting Tunisia's tourism sector through the 'Tounes Wijhetouna' (Tunisia as a Destination) program, which will run until 2027.
Elisabeth Wolbers, Germany's Ambassador to Tunisia, highlighted the project's tangible outcomes, including the development of over 50 new tourism products centered on culture, gastronomy, and nature.
Additionally, four themed routes have been established to showcase Tunisia's rich natural and cultural heritage. Ambassador Wolbers also pointed to the creation of three Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) aimed at promoting and managing regional tourism offerings while fostering long-term competitiveness through collaboration with local stakeholders.
The project has also fostered innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity, generating new jobs and innovative ideas while strengthening connections between coastal and inland regions.
A Collaborative effort
The 'Promotion of Sustainable Tourism' project is implemented by Tunisia's Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts, with support from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). It is jointly funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union as part of the 'Tounes Wijhetouna' program.
This initiative underscores Tunisia's commitment to transforming its tourism sector into a more sustainable, inclusive, and economically impactful industry, setting a benchmark for other nations to follow.
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